Streaks girls seal the deal vs. Raiders

TODD RUDOLF

Saturday

Nov 20, 2010 at 12:01 AMNov 20, 2010 at 7:05 PM

It was far from perfect, but the Galesburg High School girls basketball team made just enough shots, got just enough stops and made just enough plays to hold off East Peoria for a 67-58 win Friday night.

The Streaks pulled away late, thanks to a10-0 run in the game’s final minutes, to even their record at 1-1. Despite the win, Galesburg struggled from 3-point land once again, going 12-of-54.

It was far from perfect, but the Galesburg High School girls basketball team made just enough shots, got just enough stops and made just enough plays to hold off East Peoria for a 67-58 win Friday night.

The Streaks pulled away late, thanks to a10-0 run in the game’s final minutes, to even their record at 1-1. Despite the win, Galesburg struggled from 3-point land once again, going 12-of-54.

“We are still not shooting the ball as well as we would like to,” Galesburg coach Evan Massey said. “But I thought Sadee (Hamilton) and Megan (Young) did a great job of getting offensive rebounds for us and giving us more opportunities. It was a tough game but we will take the win.”

While the Streaks struggled with 3s, they were able to make more than they did last game just minutes into the second quarter.

Most of that was thanks to Mickey Rodriguez, who struggled like most of the Streaks in the season opener, but found the touch early in Friday’s game. Rodriguez poured in all of her 15 points in the first half and carried Galesburg for most of the second quarter. After taking a 17-13 lead in the first quarter, the Raiders (0-3) fought back, tying the game at 30-30. Rodriguez led the Streaks on a 5-0 run to end the half, giving Galesburg the 35-30 lead at the break.

“In the last game I wasn’t hitting my shots, but I knew I had to keep shooting tonight,” Rodriguez said. “It was big for us to get the lead back before the half. I think we play a lot better going into the third quarter when we have that lead.”

The third quarter proved to be a back-and-forth affair, with Kelsey Shoemake of East Peoria keeping her team within reach. Shoemake made 10 of her game-high 22 points in the third, cutting the Streaks lead to three at 46-43.

The game remained tight until the four minute mark when a 10-0 spurt by Galesburg opened the game up, pushing the lead to 64-51. With just over two minutes remaining the game seemed to be over, but the Raiders and guard Carrie Myers answered with a 7-0 lead to cut the lead to 64-58.

Three free throws from Tai Peachey sealed the victory the important victory with a game with No. 2 Springfield looming today.

While Rodriguez carried the offense in the first half, senior Jessica Howard picked up her game in the second. Howard finished with a team-high 19 points, including several big 3s in the fourth quarter.

“This was a big win for us, especially after the way we started the season,” Rodriguez said. “We really wanted to get that first win out of the way and carry some momentum into our game with Springfield.”

Galesburg found themselves down a few key players for most of the game. Myra Diggins was held out with a knee injury and Jamie Johnson was limited due to foul trouble. With limited numbers, Massey was forced to play some players longer than usual.

“With those numbers it kind of screws up what we try to do,” Massey said. “We were down a fell girls and all of a sudden those minutes can catch up with you. I think we were pretty tired but we played hard in those finals minutes."

While the Streaks forced 10 less turnovers (34) than they did in their loss to Illini West, Massey said he was far more pleased with Streaks’ defensive efforts Friday as opposed to Tuesday.

“We still gave up some layups, but I think they made a much bigger price for the baskets,” Massey said. “We got into passing lanes better and really picked up our pressure.”

It will be interesting to see how the Galesburg defense will respond today with one of the best point guards in the state, Zahna Medley, taking the court for the Senators. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in Thiel Gym.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.